Meltdown: Artists Confront a Changing Climate

White Plains, N.Y. — A new exhibition at ArtsWestchester illustrates how the Hudson Valley, a region defined by waterways, is grappling with the reality of climate change.

“Meltdown: A Changing Climate” begins with a poignant historical premise: the collection of ice was once a major industry in the region. Now, the Hudson Valley experiences less snowfall and shortened freezing cycles, a stark illustration of the warming trend.

The 13 featured artists observe, contemplate, grieve, react, and generate a visual response to the monumental importance and the enormity of a changing climate, specifically on the world’s water.

Co-curator Patricia Miranda described the exhibition as a conversation about a complex topic that allows artists and attendees to express grief about climate change and awe about our natural environment.

The vastness of the planet’s water resources challenges humanity’s ability to comprehend the impacts of a rapidly changing climate on this essential resource. Recognizing this difficulty, the artists use their imaginations and various media—from monumental drawings to intricate assemblages—to create works that bring awareness to this evolving, manmade phenomenon.

“Artists are always thinking about what's going on in the world and making work that reflects (current events) to create a space for meditation, for action, for solace and for change,” said Miranda.

One compelling piece is Polyurethane Paradise: Rainforest Rhapsody by Theda Sandiford, who channels the growing global calamity of plastic pollution into woven bottle cap vines on blue and white polyurethane rope and paracord.

Sandiford creates her work from detritus gathered on walks and weaves them into vessels of story and remembrance. Her plastic assemblage manifests the torrent of plastic waste that flows into the world’s waterways on an inconceivable scale.

The exhibition showpiece—Ice Memory II by Jaanika Peerna—is a monumental semi-transparent drawing suspended from the gallery’s ceiling. The artist’s work incorporates melting ice that releases water and dissolves drawn lines as it flows down the drawing, gathering at the bottom in murky pools that mirror the Earth’s uncertain future.

“Meltdown: A Changing Climate” offers a powerful and visually arresting exploration of the climate crisis, reminding us that the effects are already visible in our own backyard. The exhibition runs through January 11. ArtsWestchester’s gallery is located at 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains.